DHSC rolls out testing in all adult social care settings, including to people with a learning disability

Kate Terroni, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said:

“We welcome the announcement by the Department of Health and Social Care that testing is to be rolled out to all adult social care locations, including services delivering care to people of working age with a learning disability.

“Organisations including the Care Provider Alliance and Mencap have been calling for testing of people with a learning disability, and last week CQC released data showing not only a significant increase in deaths of people with a learning disability, but that the impact of COVID-19 on this group is being felt at a younger age range than in the wider population. We were clear that this data should influence decisions on prioritisation of testing of people of working age with a learning disability.

“We look forward to further detail on the timetable for testing of people who use community based services, particularly extra care housing and supported living services.

“As we continue to increase the number of physical inspections we’re undertaking, our inspectors remain in regular contact with adult social care providers to offer support, advice and information to help them deliver safe care – and I urge staff to contact CQC directly if they experience any barriers that impact on the delivery of this care.”